Quiz What is an Extinction Burst 1 Extinction

Quiz: What is an “Extinction Burst? ” 1

Extinction Definition: ã Discontinuation (cessation) of reinforcement for a behavior, leading to a decrease in its frequency Variations based on: ã Function: behavior’s maintaining contingency ã Procedure: implementation technique 2

Extinction of Behavior Maintained by Sr+ ã Do not deliver Sr+ Example: Psychotic patient approaches and asks “Where did you put my Neptune telecommunicator? EXT: ? ã Remove Sr+ Example: You are speaking with a patient, who mentions that she is receiving a voice transmission from her deceased grandmother EXT: ? 3

Extinction of Behavior Maintained by Srã Do not terminate ongoing stimulation Example: A child feigns sickness during an exam in school EXT: ? ã Do not delay presentation of stimulation Example: A child feigns sickness at home as the school bus arrives EXT: ? 4

Extinction of Behavior Maintained by Automatic Sr ã Modify source of stimulation (Sr) so that R does not produce it Example: Child continually flips light switch on and off EXT: ? ã Modify some feature of R so it no longer produces Sr Example: Child scratches chicken pox EXT: ? 5

Results of Extinction ã EXT burst: Initial and temporary increase in some dimension of R (usually frequency or intensity) during EXT ã EXT induced phenomena: Initial and temporary increase in other responses during EXT (aggression, “emotional” behavior, or other behaviors that have produced similar reinforcement in the past) ã Gradual decrease in R frequency ã Spontaneous recovery: Temporary reappearance of R following EXT 6

Factors that Reduce Resistance to Extinction ã Historical factors: Schedule of Sr Smaller magnitude of Sr Previous exposure to EXT ã EXT-related variables: Stimulus change during EXT Consistency of EXT ã Other procedures combined w/ EXT: Sr for alternative R 7